Question for FJ owners

[BWCA_XJ]

I currently have a 99XJ but am in the market for an FJ Cruiser. I love the utility that the FJ presents, and the Toyota reliability - but have heard quite a few negative comments about the FJ's "cave-like" interior and lack of rear ventilation for additional passengers, or in our case, two labs who come with us on several long road trips during the summer months. Is it really that bad. . ? I can't imagine it is as bad as some, or should I say, a few people have mentioned.

I would love to hear your thoughts as I am looking to pick one up this week. . . :coffeedrink:

Thanks!

 

[hillbillyjake]

2 words, blind spots. when i drive my wife's fj i feel really secure, but at the same time iti is hard to see out of in certain situations. she would agree but her being comfortablle in it out weighs everything else.

do i like it; yes. would i buy another one; probably not. the full time 4wd in the winter is nice.

as far as the ventilation goes, i don't know. my 3 year daughter has ridden back there for 8 to 9 hours going to the beach int eh summer and never complained( whined/cried).

my advice. if you really like it, and i mean really like it, then buy it. if there is any doubt, i think you will end regretting your decision every day. good luck

 

[MrCyrus16]

We like them so much both me and my wife have one. Her's is pretty much stock with just the basic Toytec lift, mine has a 6" lift with all the goodies. The only thing I would recommend is stick with the 3" lift, the 6" is nice but not worth the issues. As for the "cave-like" interior it isn't that bad, we both kinda like it. The only thing we did was add a little convex mirror to the outside mirrors and all is well. They are a very capable rigs and very fun to drive/wheel/camp with, enjoy!!

 

[BWCA_XJ]

Thanks for the responses.

I have driven the FJs and have really liked them since they were introduced. I have not been in a vehicle that I enjoyed as much since driving my 97 FJZ80 - which I still miss.

 

[AlwaysExplr87]

my advice. if you really like it, and i mean really like it, then buy it. if there is any doubt, i think you will end regretting your decision every day. good luck

I think this is solid advice. FJs seem to be very love/hate. I too owned an Xj and thought I liked the FJ, then I test drove one. I felt like a sherman tank might have better visibility and hate to feel closed in so I went with the tacoma.

 

[eli]

Thoughts on my Fj

I have a 07 Fj I purchased new. It's a Base model with the following equip.; 6 speed Manual Transmission, full time four drive wheel with a Torsen locking center differential, factory locking rear diff., 3 inch (Icon/Donaho) lift with (Icone/Donaho) front upper control arms, Metal Tech Sliders, and 305-70-17 Good Year MT/R's on factory steel wheels. I have removed the front sway bar and had the front body mount trimmed.

The package and modifications combined with the Toyota traction controls compliment (the low 4.17 1st. gear, 2.50 geared transfer case and 3.90 differential gearing) making for a very capable machine that is comfortable to drive hours to the trail head etc. It's been an absolute blast to drive on and off road in the worst of weather.

I think the late model Fj is a good compromise and Toyota could have done better in a few areas; Less Weight, Greater fuel range/fuel capacity, Use of a gas motor over a more economical and better performing turbo diesel. The Fj's heavy vehicle weight combined with the lower torque of the gasoline motor would benefit greatly with the addition of a Multi-speed (3 gears or better)transfer case. That being said I absolutely love this thing. . .

I do have to ask though, have you researched/test driven the new trail edition 4-Runner?

Good Luck :smiley_drive:

 

[Wilbur]

I went from XJ to FJC. One of the biggest benefits I noticed right away about the cave feeling (took drip to new orleans few months after getting it), is regardless of how hot or long it sits in the sun. The inside is never so hot you can't just get in and go, unlike the XJ I'd be sweating in mins from the heat it stores inside.

I'm pretty sure I'd buy one again, it's a very solid platform to start with (there are better, but brand new not many and price was lower than anything else I looked at).

 

[BWCA_XJ]

Thanks again for all the replies.

The new trail edition 4-runners are really nice, but a bit out of my price range. The FJs that I have been looking have been 2007 models with anywhere from 50 - 65k miles. I am heading to the big auto auction here in Denver tomorrow with my brother - he's an auto broker and can usually swing a really good deal. Going to see what they have available.

Hopefully I can post som pics of the "new" FJ later this week.:coffeedrink:

 

[hillbillyjake]

something to add. i never really thought about it, but i agree with wilbur about the interior not getting hot in the sun. and ours is black.

i also though the gas tanks were really low. i would suggest skids before going off road. hope you find one.

 

[xpdishn]

I currently have a 99XJ but am in the market for an FJ Cruiser. I love the utility that the FJ presents, and the Toyota reliability - but have heard quite a few negative comments about the FJ's "cave-like" interior and lack of rear ventilation for additional passengers, or in our case, two labs who come with us on several long road trips during the summer months. Is it really that bad. . ? I can't imagine it is as bad as some, or should I say, a few people have mentioned.

I would love to hear your thoughts as I am looking to pick one up this week. . . :coffeedrink:

Thanks!

Item 1: we had a lab/shephard mix and she voiced no issues with ventilation. Remember there are ventilation ducts under each seat that directions hot/cold back there.

I put a convex mirror on each side mirror and have had no problems.

We have over 56 thousand miles on ours and I still smile when I get in to drive.

On long highway trips, we have never HAD to stop to stretch because of a bad ride. We love everything about them.

 

[Martinjmpr]

A counterpoint?

Sounds like you've made up your mind, but can I play devil's advocate for a moment?

Thanks. Now where was I? :elkgrin:

Just wondering but have you considered the 4th gen 4runner? You can usually find them for the same price or less than the FJC (because the FJC is less common.) Being on the same 120 platform as the FJC and the Prado there is plenty of aftermarket support for the 4th gen 4runner, too.

As nice as the FJC looks (and I admit it looks awesome) my thoughts on the 4runner vs. the FJC would be as follows:

Doors: 4 regular doors vs. 2 regular doors and 2 suicide doors makes the 4runner easier to ingress/egress especially for back seat passengers.

Windows: FJC has 2 roll down windows (I don't know if the suicide door windows pop out but they don't roll down.) 4runner has 5 roll down windows (all 4 doors plus the rear hatch.)

Cargo access: FJC has a side-opening door, which is nice because it allows the spare tire to be mounted on the door but other than that, makes it difficult to load long or large cargo (my old Montero and my wife's Grand Vitara both have this feature so I'm quite familiar with it.)

Range: FJC has a 19 gallon fuel tank. At an average combined MPG of 17, that gives the FJC a range of 323 miles. 4runner has a 23 gallon tank. With the same average combined MPG that's a 391 mile range.

Engine: FJC is only available with the 4.0l V-6. 4runner is available with that engine OR the 4.7l V8, which offers more power for only a 1mpg penalty.

4wd system: FJC has either a part-time system (with the auto) or a full time system (with the manual.) 4runner has a part time/full time system with the V6 and a full time system with the V8. The part time/full time system on the V6 models lets you run in either 2wd or full time 4wd on the highway, your choice.

In an objective comparison, I can only see two areas where the FJC is superior to the 4Runner: 1. The FJC is available with a manual tranny, which the 4runner is not, and 2. The FJC is available with a rear locker, which the 4th gen 4Runner didn't get until 2009, IIRC.

I'm not knocking the FJC, but considering that under the skin, the FJC and the 4runner are identical, you might want to at least give the 4runner a look. I know the 4th gen 4runners all look like mall crawlers and soccer-mom mobiles but don't let the looks fool you: Under that skin they are essentially the same basic vehicle as the FJC and the Toyota Prado/Lexus GX470.

 

[eli]

Thoughts on my Fj

Martin made a few good points . . . it's been several months since I have driven in very warm weather but ventilation could def. be improved upon as well. A moon roof, pop out side rear windows or even a roll down rear window would help immensely in the summer months. The factory Air/heater is good but ventilation was compromised I'm guessing for cost savings . . .

Last but not least . . If for what ever reason your in the rear seat or back portion of the late model Fj, it is very difficult to open any doors or windows since the controls are all located on the front door panels. There is no control for opening the rear door or rear door window from inside the vehicle (you can only unlock the rear door with your key less remote but you can't open the rear door from inside the vehicle). If you have small children or someone is not physically capable of climbing over or reaching over the front seats to gain access to the door handles or electronic window (that only function with the ignition key on) controls . . . That could be a deal breaker. I think the vehicle is more utility then a family hauler. The clam shell doors help access to anything behind the driver's seat but for hauling 3+ passengers on a regular basis the 4-Runner may be a better choice.

That all being said I will keep this vehicle forever, but you asked :ylsmoke:

 

[cnynrat]

I have an '07 FJ Cruiser. I don't think the ventilation is an issue. Here in So Cal the AC is able to keep the entire interior cool enough even on our really hot days.

Rearward visibility is less than ideal, but a pair of stick on parabolic mirrors and a little practice works wonders. That factor would not keep me from buying one.

Not sure how tall you are, but one significant difference between the FJ and the 4 Runners is head room. We were headed towards buying a 4 Runner until I found out I don't fit in them, so we bought an FJ instead. The latest 4 Runner may be better in this respect - I have not sat in one yet.

 

[BWCA_XJ]

Sounds like you've made up your mind, but can I play devil's advocate for a moment?

Thanks. Now where was I? :elkgrin:

Just wondering but have you considered the 4th gen 4runner? You can usually find them for the same price or less than the FJC (because the FJC is less common.) Being on the same 120 platform as the FJC and the Prado there is plenty of aftermarket support for the 4th gen 4runner, too.

As nice as the FJC looks (and I admit it looks awesome) my thoughts on the 4runner vs. the FJC would be as follows:

Doors: 4 regular doors vs. 2 regular doors and 2 suicide doors makes the 4runner easier to ingress/egress especially for back seat passengers.

Windows: FJC has 2 roll down windows (I don't know if the suicide door windows pop out but they don't roll down.) 4runner has 5 roll down windows (all 4 doors plus the rear hatch.)

Cargo access: FJC has a side-opening door, which is nice because it allows the spare tire to be mounted on the door but other than that, makes it difficult to load long or large cargo (my old Montero and my wife's Grand Vitara both have this feature so I'm quite familiar with it.)

Range: FJC has a 19 gallon fuel tank. At an average combined MPG of 17, that gives the FJC a range of 323 miles. 4runner has a 23 gallon tank. With the same average combined MPG that's a 391 mile range.

Engine: FJC is only available with the 4.0l V-6. 4runner is available with that engine OR the 4.7l V8, which offers more power for only a 1mpg penalty.

4wd system: FJC has either a part-time system (with the auto) or a full time system (with the manual.) 4runner has a part time/full time system with the V6 and a full time system with the V8. The part time/full time system on the V6 models lets you run in either 2wd or full time 4wd on the highway, your choice.

In an objective comparison, I can only see two areas where the FJC is superior to the 4Runner: 1. The FJC is available with a manual tranny, which the 4runner is not, and 2. The FJC is available with a rear locker, which the 4th gen 4Runner didn't get until 2009, IIRC.

I'm not knocking the FJC, but considering that under the skin, the FJC and the 4runner are identical, you might want to at least give the 4runner a look. I know the 4th gen 4runners all look like mall crawlers and soccer-mom mobiles but don't let the looks fool you: Under that skin they are essentially the same basic vehicle as the FJC and the Toyota Prado/Lexus GX470.

Funny you should mention the 4Runner. My borther has an 04 V8 with only 58k on the odo that he could sell to me for a bit less than FJC. The other vehicle on the short list was an 06 Xterra OR package with the 6 speed manual - which would be the least expensive of the 3.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Funny you should mention the 4Runner. My borther has an 04 V8 with only 58k on the odo that he could sell to me for a bit less than FJC. The other vehicle on the short list was an 06 Xterra OR package with the 6 speed manual - which would be the least expensive of the 3.

Some people absolutely have to have a manual tranny (I used to be one of them, then I went over to the Dark Side. ) For them, obviously, the 4runner is off the table since it hasn't been available with a manual since 2000. But if you can live without a MT the 4runner might be a good choice. I know they don't look like they're capable off road due to the low clearance, but most of that is running boards - pull them off and you'll be surprised at how capable a 4th gen 4runner is.

My only other minor quibble is that the 4th gen 4runner has an electronic dial type T-case control. It's just a personal bias of mine that I like an actual lever, which the FJC has. If you're going with full time 4wd that's not really an issue, though. And I have to admit that I haven't heard any horror stories about the 4th gen 4runners with the electric t-case switch failing to engage or disengage (unlike the ones on the 3rd gen 4runner/1st gen Taco, which I have heard.)

In many ways the 4th gen 4runner is kind of a "baby Land Cruiser." In fact, there are a lot of people who think Toyota de-contented the 5th gen 4Runner because the 4th gen was so nice that customers who came in looking for a 100 series LC ended up driving out with a much less expensive 4runner instead (think about it: With the 4.7l V8 and full time 4wd system, you've basically got a 100 series drivetrain right there.) Note that Toyota deleted both the V-8 engine and the multi-mode T-case option for the 5th generation.

I think if it was me I'd be looking at a more mundane SR5 with a V-6 and the multi-mode 4wd system, but then again, I like to pinch pennies.